Meth Information

What is Meth? Methamphetamine or Meth was first considered as "poor man's cocaine." It is produced in clandestine (hidden) laboratories, using common household chemicals in conjunction with cold remedies sold over the counter, or by using chemicals purchased through the Internet.

Effects of Meth The effects are similar to cocaine, with users experiencing a sense of increased energy and euphoria, but the duration of the high lasts much longer-from 6 to 14 hours. Meth abusers usually inject or smoke high levels of the drug every 2 or 3 hours during the day. They consume the drug continuously. This often results in the abuser staying awake for several days and experience extreme irritability, sleep deprivation, increased nervousness, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations and violent or erratic behavior.

Dangers of Meth Labs
Fewer than 10% of those arrested for manufacturing Meth are trained chemists. Meth laboratory operators or "cooks" usually are individuals who have little or no chemical training and simply learned the formula from other Meth cooks or the Internet.

Many of the chemicals found in these labs are very corrosive or flammable. The vapors that are emitted from the chemical reactions attack mucous membranes, skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Some chemicals will react with water or other chemicals and cause a fire or explosion.

In addition to the risk of explosive gases, chemical contamination from the hazardous waste of these labs poses a serious threat to the environment and to the health of unsuspecting citizens in nearby communities. Each pound of Meth manufactured in a clandestine lab generates up to 5 or more pounds of toxic waste. Clandestine lab operators routinely dump such waste into local streams, rivers, and sewage systems in order to cover up the evidence of their illegal operation. Moreover, chemical reactions that occur during the manufacture of Meth produces hazardous vapors that can permeate walls, carpet, plaster and even the wooden structure of the building.